Former All Black Va'aiga Tuigamala has been laid to rest in Auckland.
"An adored husband, loving father and hilarious friend."
A giant of New Zealand and Samoan rugby and league, the 52-year-old died suddenly last month.
To most, he was 'Iga the Winger', a blockbusting outside back, but to his aiga or family, he was so much more than a rugby player
Tuigamala died last month, after a series of health struggles and a diabetes diagnosis last year.
On Saturday, the Kelston Boys High School auditorium was limited to just 100 people.
At least another hundred gathered outside to pay tribute to a big man with an even bigger heart.
Tuigamala played 39 matches for the All Blacks, including 19 tests, and was known as a Polynesian powerhouse. An inspiration to young Pasifika players, he was a devastating ball runner.
In 1993, he turned to rugby league, starring for Wigan, before returning to union for Manu Samoa.
Saying goodbye for the final time, former team remembered their friend.
"He was like a medicine to us," says All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones. "He had a merry, joyful heart and that was like a tonic for all of us."
"He was the sort of guy that could make you laugh and cry, all in that same session with him," adds former All Black Eroni Clarke. "It was amazing."
Tuigamala's last journey took him for a lap of the field that bears his name, a fitting tribute for a final goodbye.
Va'aiga Tuigamala won't just be remembered for giving everything he had on the field, but for giving everything off it, off it, for those he loved and those who will miss him the most.
